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24 May 2013

Answer to Question #2210 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Effects

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Is non-weapons-grade plutonium strong enough to kill everyone in the United States if there were 720,000,000,000 doses in a satellite that the United States can't control?

It is not possible to answer your question from the information provided. "Non-weapons grade" usually means that the plutonium is mixed with something else—that is, diluted. But how much is it diluted? Further, what is meant by 720 billion doses? How much is a dose? As long as the satellite remains in orbit, it is probably not much of a problem. If it crashes or similar, it could conceivably be a problem—but is not likely.

S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD

Answer posted on 9 April 2003. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.